January 31, 2008

Left around six this morning for open box training at IU15 in Summerdale. I had never been there before so it was interesting to see a new IU. It was easy to find thanks to a portable GPS unit and slick driving over the speed limit. The training was better than I thought, but very basic and needed for my teachers who were able to see some of the technology brought into play. There is some apprehension about using the technology, and I know that it may be a battle to integrate, but it is worth the challenge to focus the concepts postulated. Teachers do not want to change, and I do understand that, but change we must from in order to become facilitators. It reminds me of the old shop where the teachers would facilitate and moderate our achievements on a lathe, etc. We have to find a happy medium by utilizing various tools to aid in educating our students. Think outside the chalkboard!!!!!!!!!!!!

January 30, 2008

Well, I finally got some teacher laptops out in the hands of the teachers who need to use them. There were some problems with joining them to the domain, but it is working. I am enlisting the aid of some student techs who will be learning how to deal with problems and aid teachers and students. I like the idea of involving students in the process because it also emulates the concept of 21st century learning. It also empowers them and gives credence to the skills that are needed to begin working with technology. I also found a quirk in Lenovo's in that the first time they are joined to the domain with a teacher login that they will not find the domain. They must be plugged in before they are turned on. We will go to open box training tomorrow.

January 29, 2008

Guess what? We had no school today, but I was here because we began with a 2-hour delay, and then school was canceled. Well, I was in charge of moving the brackets for the interactive white boards so i enlisted the help of "Rish." We got them all moved to the proper position. Job Done!!!! I also created a wiki, and it will be a work in progress http://cffflick.wikispaces.com I am not sure if I like the concept of wiki's, but I also know that AI have to give it a chance. The wiki will be devoted exclusively for use by the CFF teachers at PV. I will work on it tomorrow.

January 28, 2008

Back to work, and I know that it will be an interesting week. I did some reflection over the weekend concerning the implementation of the white boards, and I know that it is going to be a slow process for most people. I still have not gotten the teacher laptops at this time, and I am anxious to get them in their hands. I have to look at the software and decide what software to add. We have Open Box Training on Thursday, and it is important for them to start using them. We do not have the school set-up wirelessly yet, but that is supposed to happen next week.

That is the nuts and bolts of for the hardware. I also am caught up with the test course for embedded learning. We are finding out that it is going to take more time than thought. I have also directed students to continue with the tasks assigned. The role is challenging, but I still feel up to the task. I also know that I am going to have to get internet connection at home to complete the tasks. The work load is voluminous, if one decides to do the job correctly.

January 25, 2008

I did not post yesterday because I was trying to catch up on all of the things CFF I had to do from my training the two previous days. It is like falling into a pit and wondering how to climb out, but I will prevail. The laptops carts are all positioned, but we do not have the wireless notdes set up; this will not be done for another 10-14 days. Yesterday, we found out from the Promethean installers that we had to put the brackets onto the braces. Of course, the information came around 2:45. Dustin and I put them on this morning, and I mean all morning. With constant interruptions and finding the right materials we finally finished the all 15 boards by 11:39 in the AM. Next some football players needed some dvd's burnt. Of course, it has been problems so I am burning an ISO hoping that I can convert it to DVD. It will be fun, and I hope that it works. I am hoping to get this done. I have not been able to touch the course today and will have to come in over the weekend to get caught up there. AHHHHHH, the life of a CFF Coach. I have talked to some other coaches who only have two to eight teachers, and some others have over 20 but are not facilitating the embedded Learning. Now I have to go and teach teachers how to use eschoolbook. I will be back..........flick

We are wrapping up our training in Pitt. I have learned a lot, and I feel better prepared for the job. It is overwhelming with respect to the amount of work that needs to be done with facilitating a course, preparing research, attending the training, etc. I will get it done. I am anxious to get my teachers involved so that we can collaborate and increase our knowledge base together. I got my chance to use a Promethean board, and I like it. I am concerned about how people will use the boards. My fear is that they will become a glorified screen instead of an interactive tool. I am going to have to collaborate and come up with ideas to help them integrate it into the classroom. Yes, it does change how we teach, but when I really look at it, it is no different than innovations that were brought into the classroom before. A great challenge for all of us.

January 23, 2008

Day 2--We are working with the CDW-G web site and now beginning GoogleEarth. I am also logged into Skype and am thinking about instituting this among my teachers. I did find out that there is another assessment that C wants. It is optional, and i need to discuss it with the admin to check it out.

Skype

I am now learning how to use skype. I have never used it so it will be a challenge. I notice that there are fees to call mobiles and landlines. I do not like that. I do not know how to call another computer user either...we will see. I do see advantages to using this, but I can also see how it can be misused. I like the concept. I can see where I can use this in Canada, etc

I Love this flash video from TeacherTube

This is a great flash video. I have to admit I have done some of this, but I have sat through ppt's ad nauseum and have seen these faux pas's too many times. Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CDW-G Training Day (My life in Pittsburgh)

Well, it is 8:43, and I am now blogging. I have created my blog, and I know that it will not interest the populace or make it to the "annals--it might make the anals--of blogging chronicles." It is mine, and my first attempt at such. I will be using this blog to relay my own thoughts about this training and CFF as a whole. It will also be an attempt to reach some of the naysayers of the world who refuse to adapt to the surroundings and try something new.
The success of CFF will depend upon a huge collaboration of all to integrate the concepts within the educational process. Yes, there will be failures, but I have had my failures within the traditional classroom. I had to modify my lesson to produce results. The same is true here. We ask out students to open their minds; we must do the same. We chide students when they refuse to try after a failure; we must do the same. In other words, we must practice what we preach. It is tough coming down from the pulpit (I know because I sometimes get stuck behind the lectern), but isn't it worth the try if we as professionals can take the smoldering embers and create an encompassing fire. As said in Macbeth, "But if we fail, we fail, but screw your courage to the sticking place" and see what we can achieve.